Belgian air navigation service provider (ANSP) Belgocontrol is sending its operational meteorological data to its international partners in a new format to support development of new applications for the use of the data in air traffic management (ATM).

The meteorological service of Belgocontrol is claimed to be the world’s first ANSP to use the specific data format.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The company manages one of the three European OPerational METeo (OPMET) databanks within the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) meteorological data communication.

Operational meteorological data is exchanged on a global scale for use in the aviation sector, which is under the charge of ICAO.

Belgocontrol CEO Johan Decuyper said: “The exchange of meteorological data is tremendously important in aviation.

See Also:

“Our meteorological service plays a key role in Europe by managing a databank. Now we also set an example to the rest of the world by being the very first to use the new data exchange format.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Currently, the Belgian ANSP uses the ICAO Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM) format for transmitting meteorological data.

"Our meteorological service plays a key role in Europe by managing a databank."

The message format, along with the related data model, is slated to become an ICAO standard from 2020, making it mandatory.

In meteorology, this is the first step taken to implement the System Wide Information Management (SWIM) concept that has been elaborated within Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR).

Belgocontrol is set to transmit data in the new format to the Regional OPMET Centre in London from where it will be transmitted worldwide.

The IWXXM format will enable the integration of applications in the future, such as more accessible representation of meteorological data combined with other aviation data for instance, airports.

Image: Belgocontrol sends operational meteorological data in a new format. Photo: courtesy of Belgocontrol.